Office of the Commissioner
of The Revenue
FAQ - Business

We wish you much success and thank
you
for opening and operating a business in Portsmouth!

Will your business be located within the city limits of Portsmouth? or, Will you conduct business within the city limits?

Yes,
go to #2.

No,
then you do not need a City of Portsmouth Business License.

Do you need to know if your business is zoned to conduct your type of business at your proposed business location or, do you need to know if the property or space you are about to rent will pass building and fire code requirements?

Will you be using a sign to advertise your business? or, Will any building construction or tenant improvements be required for your business? or, Will there be a change in property use from the previous business occupant?

Yes,
to any of the above three questions, contact Portsmouth Department of Permits and Inspections, 801 Crawford Street (City Hall), (757) 393-8531 for sign code compliance; or, for plan review, permit and certificate of occupancy issuance. After contact, continue to #5.

Yes,
contact Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, local office – 1103 S. Military Highway, (757) 424-6700 for state licensing. Once state licensing is received contact City of Portsmouth Commissioner of the Revenue's Business Tax Section, 801 Crawford St. (City Hall), (757) 393-8866 for local business licensing. After contact, continue to #7.

No,
continue to #7.

Will your business involve food preparation, tattoo or massage facility, hotel or public pool?

Are you applying for a City of Portsmouth Business License that will require you to collect or pass on the tax on retail sales? Will you require Virginia Sales Tax information, on either sales or use tax?

Yes,
contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 601 Crawford Street (757) 393-8631 to register a trade name. After contact, continue to #15.

No,
continue to #15.

Will you be using personal property or machinery and tools for business purposes?

Yes,
contact the Business Unit of the Portsmouth Commissioner of the Revenue Office, 801 Crawford Street (757) 393-8866 for information concerning the taxation of business personal property. After contact, continue to #16.

No,
continue to #16.

Where do I obtain my
Business License?

The appropriate Business License can be issued through the Business Tax SectionOffice of the Commissioner of the Revenue
801 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704

As you have seen from the above information, the types of licenses vary depending upon your business activity.

Contact the Business Tax Section of the Commissioner of the Revenue Office at (757) 393-8866 for additional information and assistance at any time during the above steps.

Remember that it is your responsibility to learn what local, state and federal laws and regulations apply to your business.

Congratulations and thanks again for opening and operating your business in the City of Portsmouth, Virginia!